What Is the Role of Federal Law in Truck Accident Cases?

If you have been injured in a commercial truck or semi-truck accident near Gaithersburg , you should contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of truck accident law, which includes state and federal Departments of Transportation regulations and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Here is a brief explanation of the role of federal law in truck accident cases.

Which Federal Agencies Regulate Truck Accident Laws?

Most elements of the trucking industry are regulated by both state and federal agencies. These agencies establish trucking laws and truck accident laws that may affect you if you are in a commercial truck accident or semi-truck accident. The federal agencies that regulate trucking and trucking laws are the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations is the primary source of most federal trucking regulations.

What Areas of Trucking do Federal Laws Regulate?

Whether a truck driver operates in your state or elsewhere, he must follow federal laws and regulations for the industry. He must hold a valid commercial driver’s license at the time that he is operating a commercial truck or semi-truck. He is only permitted to drive for a certain amount of time in one stretch without stopping and taking a break. The amount of weight that the truck is legally allowed to haul is regulated based upon the size of the truck. The truck must be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired according to federal safety and quality standards. There are also federal safety regulations associated with hauling hazardous materials.

How is Liability Proven in a Truck Accident Case?

Your truck accident attorney should be able to tell you if he thinks that he will be able to legally prove that the truck driver was responsible for your truck accident. This can be proven if the driver was negligent or was driving negligently, or if he or his trucking company violated any federal trucking or local traffic laws.